NHL Jeff's Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Jordan Staal and the Pens will have a tough match-up against Lundqvist's Rangers

As usual, the first round was full of surprises and disappointments...now the winners move on and the losers head to the golf course.

Click here for full Round 2 schedule.

NHL Jeff's take on the 2nd Round Match-Ups:
Eastern Conference Semifinals

(1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (6) Philadelphia Flyers

Regular Season Series: MTL 4-0

MTL Key Players: C. Price (G), A. Kovalev, S. Koivu, A. Markov, M. Komisarek, S. Kostitsyn, A. Kostitsyn

PHI Key Players: M. Richards, D. Briere, M. Biron (G), K. Timonen, B. Coburn, J. Smith, V. Prospal

Philadelphia played well in a long, tough series against the Capitals. Their grit and aggressive style should serve them well against Montreal, but it doesn't make up for what they are lacking. By no means did Martin Biron steal any of the Flyers' 4 wins in the previous round. Yes, he did have a 24-save shutout, but he was not consistent, and in order to go deep into the playoffs, a team must have a goaltender capable of stealing a few games. Despite what Philly's style will do to help them, the Canadiens' high-powered offense, especially on the powerplay (which I think will come back to life after struggling against Boston), will likely be too much for Biron and his D to handle. If the Flyers can stay out of the box (something they're not known for), look for their(slim) chances in this series to go up a notch. On the other side, despite having 2 games in which he allowed 5 goals, Carey Price was excellent in round 1 for the Habs. His 4 wins included two shutouts, and considering his history, he likely isn't satisfied. Look for Price to be on top of his game and help to propel the Canadiens to the conference final.

Prediction: Canadiens in 6.

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) New York Rangers

Regular Season Series: NYR 5-3

PIT Key Players: S. Crosby, E. Malkin, M. A. Fleury (G), S. Gonchar, R. Whitney, M. Hossa, G. Roberts

NYR Key Players: H. Lundqvist (G), J. Jagr, S. Gomez, S. Avery, C. Drury, M. Rozsival, D. Girardi

This is going to be one heck of a series. Being that the Pens are my favorite team, it's tough not to go with them....Both of these teams were great in the first round and should match up well. The Pens and Rangers each got great goaltending from Fleury and Lundqvist respectively. Gomez and Jagr stepped up their games for the playoffs, while the Pens hot-shots all played to their potential. Sean Avery was also a key in the Rangers' 1st round win, using his usual antics to get under the Devils' skin. Look for his top targets Fleury, Crosby, and Malkin (although he'll have to keep an eye out over his shoulder for big Georges Laraque). The pens should try to avoid going along with Avery's games, but should they not be successful, I imagine this will merely open the door for guys like Jordan Staal and Ryan Malone to step up and contribute some more. The incredible goaltending likely to be seen in this series could lead to a goaltenders' duel, or each team's loaded offense could make this a series full of goals. I imagine each goaltender will steal a game or two, with the one stealing the extra game likely being a member of the series winner. The Penguins looked very together in the first round, and, assuming they haven't lost their momentum from being overly-rested, they will be a good match for a Rangers team lacking defensive depth and often cohesion. So, I'm sticking with my guns:

Prediction: Pens in 7.


Western Conference Semifinals

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (6) Colorado Avalanche

Regular Season Series: DET 4-0

DET Key Players: N. Lidstrom, P. Datsyuk, H. Zetterberg, C. Osgood (G), B. Rafalski

COL Key Players: J. Theodore (G), J. Sakic, P. Forsberg, P. Stastny, M. Hejduk, A. Foote, S. Hannan, J. Liles

The only way I see the Avs (despite their being one of my favorite teams) winning this series is if Jose Theodore is able to steal at least 2 games. Paul Stastny must also improve his playoff play, as he was basically invisible in the first round. Colorado put a lot of physical pressure on the Wild, especially on the likes of star Marian Gaborik. They will need to this this against the Wings as well, but the problem with that is that the Wings have much more offensive depth than the Wild, so it will be hard to give the harsh treatment to all of their scorers. Osgood should remain in net for the Wings, as he was solid once inserted in place of Dominik Hasek. Once the Avs get some confidence, they're tough, so Detroit will have to win early, but if the Wings play their normal calm, collected game, they should take this series.

Prediction: Wings in 6 (but, as an Avs fan, I hope I'm wrong!).

(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (5) Dallas Stars

Regular Season Series: Tie 4-4

SJ Key Players: E. Nabokov (G), J. Thornton, B. Campbell, P. Marleau, J. Cheechoo, M.E. Vlasic, C. Ehrhoff, M. Grier

DAL Key Players: M. Turco (G), S. Zubov (pending injury status), B. Richards, M. Ribeiro, M. Modano, B. Morrow, J. Lehtinen, S. Robidas

Part of me says Marty Turco and the resurgent Dallas offense will take this series, but the other part says the Sharks will finally do what they've been projected to do and make it all the way to the finals....What a tough draw for San Jose. Obviously, it's tough for Dallas too, but I have to feel for a team with such high expectations. I also feel for Marty Turco though. He's finally starting to get rid of those playoff demons, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him be "the goalie" of this year's playoffs and carry his team. The Sharks are just too good though to think they can bow out in the 2nd round this year. They've finally been playing as a group, albeit somewhat inconsistently. But, I think after their scare last round with the Flames, they'll be up for the challenge that is Marty Turco, Brad Richards, and the Stars. What am I doing though? Certainly not forgetting Vezina trophy candidate Evgeni Nabokov. This series WILL be a goaltender's duel. My money is on Nabby, but what a formidable match-up it is. I was thinking about predicting seven games, but I see the goalie of whichever team has the 3-2 lead taking advantage of it and taking the series. Now....who will have that lead? My feeling (maybe?):

Prediction: Sharks in 6.